The money game in the US midterm elections
The U.S. Capitol, as viewed from the National Mall, at blue hour in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 1, 2026. The midterm election will determineR which party controls the House of Representatives and the Senate. REUTERS.
There are fewer than two weeks left before the US midterm elections. Their importance is in no way less than that of a presidential election. The vote will determine which party controls the House of Representatives and the Senate. Republicans and Democrats are now engaged in a financial battle to secure that control. President Donald Trump has already announced plans to spend a massive $400 million in support of Republicans. Elon Musk is contributing $366 million. On the other side, Michael Bloomberg is providing more than $80 million for Democratic campaigns.
Musk’s Political Donations
Elon Musk’s political contributions during the current election campaign have reached $366 million. Of this amount, $276 million has gone to various organizations working to support Republican candidates.
Between July and September, Musk donated $158 million to the Senate Leadership Fund, which supports Republican Senate candidates. His America PAC is also spending money on election campaigns. According to published financial records, the organization spent $76.7 million in the third quarter of 2026, including $35.8 million on voter outreach programs at the grassroots level.
An initiative was launched in late July to reactivate America PAC. Its activities include door-to-door voter outreach, online advertising and sending campaign materials by mail. These efforts aim to encourage conservative voters to participate in the election.
Trump’s $400 Million Bet
Last Tuesday, Trump announced on Truth Social that more than $400 million would be spent from his political funds by Election Day. He claimed that more than $300 million had already been spent. The money has gone toward advertising, voter outreach, rallies, phone-based campaigns and programs to transport voters to polling stations. However, he did not provide a breakdown of how much would be allocated to individual states or constituencies. A large portion of the funding comes from MAGA Inc., a pro-Trump super PAC. At the end of August, the organization had approximately $415.8 million in its coffers.
Bloomberg Backs Democrats
According to a New York Times report published last Tuesday, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is contributing $80 million to Democratic funds in September and October. At least $50 million of this substantial amount is being spent to help Democratic candidates win seats in the US House of Representatives. His primary objective is to help Democrats regain control of the House or increase their majority.
he gun-control advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety will receive $24 million, while House Majority PAC will receive $16 million.
When Does the Campaign Start and End?
In some states, campaigning began as early as December 2025. In North Carolina, for example, the candidate filing period ran from December 1 to 19. The Senate and House primaries began on March 3 and concluded in Delaware 196 days later. Through these primaries, the two parties selected their candidates.
Early voting has begun in Virginia, marking the start of the final six weeks before the election. In some polling locations in California, early voting began on October 5, while in Texas it started on October 19. The campaign period will effectively end on Election Day, November 3. In some states, early voting will conclude before that date.
Where Is the Money Being Spent?
Election campaign funds are generally spent on advertising, campaign workers’ wages, phone calls, text messages, printing campaign materials, mailing letters and direct voter outreach. Candidates and political organizations allocate funds according to their strategies and the circumstances in their constituencies. Heavy spending can expand the reach of a campaign, but it does not automatically guarantee electoral victory. Where the money is spent, how effective the campaign messages are and what voters are most concerned about can also influence the outcome.
Is Money Being Handed Directly to Voters?
Political campaign funds are not being used to give cash directly to voters. Such funds are generally spent on communicating political messages to voters and encouraging them to cast their ballots. Campaign workers are paid wages for their work. This is not equivalent to paying voters in exchange for their votes. In the United States, bribing voters is illegal.
The Importance of the Election
No presidential vote takes place during the midterm elections. However, a shift in control of the House of Representatives or the Senate could change the political dynamics for the remainder of the president’s term. If the opposition party gains control of either chamber, it could create a new situation for legislation, budgeting and congressional oversight of the administration.
A report on a poll published last Tuesday said approval of Trump’s job performance had fallen to 31 percent. The economy, the cost of living and immigration policy are among the issues being discussed by voters. However, opinion poll results depend on timing, sample size and methodology and cannot be regarded as a certain prediction of election outcomes.
The funding provided by Musk, Trump and Bloomberg has brought the financial dimension of the election campaign into focus. However, it is too early to determine how much this money will influence the election results. Ultimately, several factors, including economic conditions, government policies, candidates’ positions and local contests, may influence voters’ decisions.
(Sources: The New York Times, Reuters, Truth Social)
